Check out this link for some wonderful off trail rides you can experience just north of the Lake Wobegon Trails. The Northern leg of the Lake Wobegon Trail connects you to the Soo Line Bike Trail to Bowlus and the Little Falls is just short ride off the Soo Line Trail at Blanchard Dam on the Mississippi River.

Economic Benefits of Trails Resources

University of Minnesota Study
The university completed a study in partnership with the Minesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The study was published in November 2009. It studied the economic impact of trails throughout Minnesota. Click here to view the study.

University of Wisconsin-Madison StudyThe university completed the 2010 study at the request of Wisconsin Representative Spencer Black chair of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. Click here to view the study.

Related Links

Camp Ripley Veterans Trail - The Camp Ripley Veterans Trail is a proposed trail authorized by the Minnesota State Legislature in 2010. The trail will connect the Paul Buyan trail to Camp Ripley and from there to the Soo Line Trail the trail which connects to the lake Wobegon Trail. The completion of the trail will creat nearly 400 miles of paved rail trails in central Minnesota. Check the website to see how you can help support this great idea! www.crvtrail.org

Central Lakes Trail - The Central Lakes Trail is a 55-mile, paved rail trail that runs through 3 counties and 10 communities. The trail begins in the city of Fergus Falls, and ends in the city of Osakis. Trail users will enjoy the many differing landscape views, ranging from open prairie in the west to many lakes scattered throughout the area to the forested, rolling hills in the east. The trail extends to the east to the Lake Wobegon Trail creating a total of 130 miles of paved rail trail... the longest paved rail trail in the United States!

The Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota - Our mission: The Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota exists to acquire, protect and enhance critical lands for the public’s use and benefit. Who we are: The Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota is a grassroots membership organization that has worked vigorously on behalf of Minnesota's parks and trails since 1954.

Minnesota State and Regional Parks and Trails Legacy Plan - In 2008, Minnesotans passed the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Act. 14.25% of the funds generated from the 3/8% increase in the sales tax will provide funding for regional and state parks and trails. Here's the plan for how that money will be spent for parks and trails.

Avon Area Arts Connection- where fine art meets the front porch. Our mission: "To develop an artistic and cultural community within the Avon area which encourages and nurtures the creative spirit. "

Avon Hills Initiative- The Avon Hills Initiative (AHI) is a community based organization located in Central Minnesota committed to preserving the rural and natural character of roughly 50 square miles of land in Avon, Saint Joseph, Collegeville, and Saint Wendel Townships.

Stearns County - County news and information. This site changes frequently, so you will want to check back often. Check out the "Recreation" tab for more outdoor adventure opportunities in Stearns County.

St. Cloud Area Visitors Bureau - Welcome to the official site for St. Cloud area travel. We invite you to enjoy the holidays in Granite Country USA. Home to the popular St. Cloud and Central Lakes area, this inviting Minnesota destination will provide you with a warm and memorable experience.

Fergus Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau - Our slogan "Find Us, Lose Yourself" challenges and invites you to come to Fergus Falls to rejuvenate yourself. Relax, unwind and enjoy a refreshing environment that will leave you ready to return to everyday life invigorated and ready to go!

Sauk Centre Convention and Visitors Bureau - Sauk Centre is located in the heart of Minnesota, midway between the Twin Cities and Fargo. We are at the crossroads of Interstate 94 and Highways 71 and 28. Sauk Centre is home to the first Nobel Prize winning author Sinclair Lewis. Visit his boyhood home and the museum at the Interpretive Center.

Minnesota State Bicycle Advisory Committee - Individually and collectively we will strengthen and encourage community support for bicycling throughout the state. We will do so through continuous and active participation with government agencies and allied organizations through education, public affairs campaigns and political initiatives.

Munger Trail - The often-praised Munger Trail stretches 69 miles from Duluth, Minnesota, southward to Hinckley. This recycled railroad follows the route of the historic Lake Superior and Mississippi, which first connected Duluth, Minnesota, and the State Capitol, St. Paul on August 1, 1870. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources trail boss claims the Munger Trail to be the longest paved recreational trail in the nation if not the world.

Cannon Valley Trail - The Cannon Valley Trail runs through diverse and spectacular scenery on a former Chicago Great Western Railroad line, connecting the cities of Cannon Falls, Welch, and Red Wing. Hikers, bicyclers, in-line skaters, and cross country skiers enjoy a quiet, people-powered experience. Motorized vehicles and pets are not allowed.

Paul Bunyan Trail - The trail starts in Baxter (Brainerd) and runs 100 miles to Bemidji, where it ends at the junction of the Blue Ox Trail.

Luce Line Trail - The Luce Line Trail is a state-established trail maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. It stretches 63 miles from the western metro suburb of Plymouth to the small town of Cosmos in west-central Minnesota. The trail runs on a former railroad line and is available for biking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and skiing.

Tour of Saints Bicycle Ride - Each summer in Central Minnesota, a ribbon of bicyclists wends its way through a rich green and rolling landscape on quiet country roads. Become a part of this bicycling tradition when you join the Tour of Saints. The course is laid out on 50 miles of scenic back roads, with a 35-mile option you choose as you ride.

Minnesota Trails (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) - These trails are perfect for a close-to-home workout in an outdoor setting, for a fun day trip, or for an adventurous weekend getaway exploring Minnesota's remote reaches. These trails link urban places and country spaces, and let you explore all the beauty of Minnesota at your own pace. Historic sites, parks, forests, lakes and creeks, and charming small towns are waiting for you to discover.

Rails to Trails Conservancy- Our Mission: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., whose mission it is to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people.

Rail Trails in Minnesota - Minnesota has 56 wonderful rail trails totaling 1,288 miles, and 38 more trail projects in the planning stage with a potential of 612 more miles. Most of them are maintained by the state and do not require trail passes. Some, however, were developed by private groups and you must pay a fee and be in possession of a pass while riding on them. The Cannon Valley Trail is one of these.

Trails.com -This site contains links to trails all over the U.S. You can search by activities such as hiking, mountain biking, road biking, flatwater paddling, whitewater paddling, sea kayaking, backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or hot springs. They also have planning tools, maps and guidebooks to help you plan your trip.

Our brochure provides information about the MN State Flower the Showy Pink & White Lady Slipper and the need to respect it's environment to keep them blooming on our trail for many generations to come! Enjoy...